The Parker Aerospace thrust reverser actuation system (TRAS) typically consist of the following components:
• Linear hydraulic actuators
• Control valves
• Synchronizing flex shafts
• Primary/secondary locking actuators
• Cowl locks
• Hydraulic tubs and hoses
• Manual drive assemblies
• Electrical monitoring

Parker provides individual TRAS components and fully designed and integrated systems for translating cowl, blocker door, and clamshell architectures for small business jets to large military aircraft. While providing strong and lightweight actuators, Parker Aerospace also ensures all actuators are synchronized during the extend and retract motion to prevent binding of the TRAS cowls.

For larger and faster TRAS structures, slowing down the motion before reaching the full extend position is important to reducing impact loads on the nacelle. Parker Aerospace achieves this by optionally integrating hydraulic snubbers into the actuators.

Additional options for Parker’s TRAS actuators include the patented “poker chip” locks that allow the actuators to lock at any position within their full stroke even in the event of a partially closed door. These locks and the actuator position can all be relayed to the aircraft through proximity and position sensors for system safety and health monitoring.

Parker Aerospace also applies this synchronous-actuator technology to thrust-nozzle positioning. Pairing the actuators with variable-valve control, any nozzle position between fully open and fully closed can be selected and maintained. Parker’s patented fluid porting actuators allow the combination of a thrust-nozzle positioning system mounted on the moving structure of a translating cowl TRAS.

APPLICATIONS:
Parker Aerospace’s TRAS can be found in a variety of commercial and military aircraft, from small business jets to large transport aircraft.

Examples of Parker’s translating cowl systems include the Boeing C-17, Lockheed C-5, Boeing 737, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Airbus A330, and Irkut MC-21. Parker Aerospace’s blocker door systems are featured on the Airbus A340 and Parker’s clamshell systems include the Cessna Bravo, Cessna Excel, and Hawker Horizon.

FEATURES AND ATTRIBUTES:
• Full system design and qualification
• Patented poker chip lock allows locking of actuator in any position
• Patented fluid porting actuator allows the combination of light weight hydraulic nozzle actuators onto a translating thrust reverser cowl

OPTIONAL FEATURES:
• Extend and/or retract snubbing
• Locking and non-locking actuators
• Isolation control valve (ICV) and directional control valve (DCV) position monitoring
• Hydraulic or electric sequencing
• Hydraulic or electric tertiary locks
• System bypass for maintenance and manual actuation